Erosion control mat system

ABSTRACT

A concrete mat apparatus, includes a plurality of elongated concrete members, each member being aligned with and next to another concrete member. Each of the concrete members has an upper generally flat surface, a lower generally flat surface, and a plurality of inclined surfaces that each extend away from an upper or lower surface. Reinforcement extends from a first end portion of each concrete member to a second end portion thereof, the reinforcement including a plurality of longitudinally extending reinforcement bars and a plurality of encircling tie bars at spaced apart intervals. Cabling connects each of the elongated concrete members to another of the elongated concrete members. The upper inclined surfaces of one of the elongated concrete members forms a plane with the lower inclined surface of an adjacent elongated concrete member. A plurality of loops are provided along opposed edges of the mat.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/416,524, filed 2 Nov. 2016; and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/525,697, filed 27 Jun. 2017, each of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference, and priority of/to each ofwhich is hereby claimed.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to mats used for erosion control, pipelineprotection, crossings, and many other subsea uses, and methods ofinstalling such mats.

2. General Background of the Invention

Erosion control mats have been used for many years to protect soilsurfaces such as the banks of water bodies (lakes, rivers, etc.). Suchmats have also been used as protection for underwater pipelines.

Patents have issued that are directed to erosion control mats. Anexample of such an erosion control mat is the Pilaar patent (U.S. Pat.No. 3,597,928). The Pilaar patent relates to an erosion controllingprotective surface for a soil mass. The device includes a flexiblesupporting sheet that can conform to the contour of the soil. Blocks aremounted on the supporting sheet. The mat provides drainage passagewaystherethrough so that water can pass through the surfacing. Preferably,the surfacing includes a filter and the blocks are secured with thesupporting sheet.

The Nelson patent (U.S. Pat. No. 3,386,252) shows a rip rap structurethat employs concrete blocks connected together.

Cables are employed to hold blocks together in the Landry patent (U.S.Pat. No. 4,227,829) to form a matrix of blocks.

The Crow patent (U.S. Pat. No. 4,375,928) shows rows of blocks heldtogether by a continuous wire cable which is embedded in each block.

The Waters patent (U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,156) shows an erosion controlblanket of segments. The segments are said to be of concrete placed intoshells. The segments are held together with a rope network. Openings inthe shells provide points of entry for the ropes.

The Rudloff patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,230) provides a concrete blockrevetment system for soil erosion prevention. The system of the Rudloffpatent provides concrete blocks that are cable interconnected to form amatrix. The matrix of blocks overlies and holds in place a layer ofpermeable geotextile overlying a protected soil area.

The Angel patent (U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,285) entitled “Mat Installation”shows cable connected erosion control blocks that can be used overpipelines. Other patents issued to Angel include numbers U.S. Pat. Nos.5,722,795; 5,846,023; and 5,944,449.

The Landry patent (U.S. Pat. No. 4,486,120) provides a spreader bar forthe installation of soil erosion prevention mats.

The Daniel patent (U.S. Pat. No. 6,406,217) provides a lifting andplacing device for seabed mats.

Other patents possibly relevant to the construction and use of mats forerosion control, pipeline protection, crossings, and other subsea usescan be seen in the following table, the listing being chronological andotherwise of no significance. Each of the patents listed in the table(Table 1) is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TABLE 1 Issue Date Pat. No. Title MM/DD/YYYY 3,386,252 Rip Rap StructureDevice 09/08/1966 3,597,928 Erosion Control 08/10/1971 4,227,829 SoilErosion Preventing Blocks 10/14/1980 4,375,928 Flexible Concrete ForSoil Erosion 03/08/1983 Prevention 4,486,120 Spreader Bar For SoilErosion Prevention 12/04/1984 Mats 4,683,156 Flexible Blanket 07/28/19875,484,230 Concrete Block Revetment System For 01/16/1996 Soil ErosionPrevention 5,722,795 Non-Abrasive Subsea Mat 03/03/1998 5,846,023Non-Abrasive Subsea Mat 12/08/1998 5,944,449 Non-Abrasive Subsea Mat08/31/1999 6,027,285 Mat Installation 02/22/2000 6,406,217 Lifting andPlacing Device for Seabed 06/18/2002 Mats 8,858,118 Erosion Control MatSystem 10/14/2014

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved mat used for erosion control,pipeline protection, crossings, equipment support and other subsea uses,that utilizes a plurality of specially configured elongated concretemembers.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, cables or ropes,e.g., copolymer rope, connect the elongated concrete members together toform a matrix. The cables or ropes can include multiple cables or ropesor one continuous cable/rope that is looped from one elongated concretemember to the next member.

The present invention includes a concrete mat apparatus, comprising aplurality of elongated concrete members, each member can be aligned withand next to another concrete member. Each of the concrete members canhave an upper generally flat surface, a lower generally flat surface,and a plurality of inclined surfaces that each preferably extend awayfrom an upper or lower surface. Reinforcement that can extend from afirst end portion of each concrete member to a second end portionthereof. The reinforcement preferably including a plurality oflongitudinally extending reinforcement bars and a plurality ofencircling stirrups at spaced apart intervals. Cabling can connect eachof the elongated concrete members to another of the elongated concretemembers. The cabling preferably including generally parallel cablesections. Each cable section preferably extending transversely throughmultiple of said concrete members. The combination of elongated concretemembers can have a width and a length that is at least twice as long asthe width. The upper inclined surfaces of one of the elongated concretemembers can form a plane with the lower inclined surface of an adjacentelongated concrete member. A plurality of loops can be along opposededges of the mat, each loop formed by a portion of the cabling. Theloops can be between about one and three feet (30.5 and 91.4 cm) apart.There can be stirrups on each side of a cable section.

In one embodiment, there can be least three of the elongated concretemembers.

In one embodiment, there can be at least four of the elongated concretemembers.

In one embodiment, each of the elongated concrete members can be about40 feet (12.2 meters) in length.

In one embodiment, each of the elongated concrete members can be betweenabout 20 and 40 feet (6.1-12.2 meters) long.

In one embodiment, the reinforcement includes a plurality of upperlongitudinally extending reinforcement bars and a plurality of lowerlongitudinally extending reinforcement bars.

In one embodiment, each of the loops can be positioned at theintersection of an upper inclined surface and a lower inclined surface.

In one embodiment, the upper plurality of longitudinally extendingreinforcement bars can be positioned in between two upper inclinedsurfaces.

In one embodiment, the plurality of longitudinally extendingreinforcement bars can be positioned in between two lower inclinedsurfaces.

In one embodiment, the cabling can be positioned in a plane that is inbetween the upper and lower pluralities of longitudinally extendingreinforcement bars.

In one embodiment, the loops can be formed with a continuous one pieceelongated cable.

In one embodiment, the loops can be formed of a plurality of endlesscircular rope sections, each endless rope section including a first anda second spaced apart loops.

In one embodiment, each elongated concrete member can have a width and aheight, the width being greater than the height.

In one embodiment, the mat apparatus can have an overall length and awidth, wherein the overall length can be greater than the width.

In one embodiment, the length can be at least double the width.

In one embodiment, the length can be at least triple the width.

The present invention includes a concrete mat apparatus, comprising aplurality of elongated concrete members, each member can be aligned withand next to another concrete member. Each of the concrete members canhave an upper generally flat surface, a lower generally flat surface,and a plurality of inclined surfaces that each can extend away from anupper or lower surface. Reinforcement can extend from a first endportion of each concrete member to a second end portion thereof. Thereinforcement preferably including a plurality of longitudinallyextending reinforcement bars and a plurality of encircling tie bars atspaced apart intervals. Cabling can preferably connect each of theelongated concrete members to another of the elongated concrete members.The combination of elongated concrete members can have a width and alength that can be at least twice as long as the width. The upperinclined surfaces of one of the elongated concrete members can form aplane with the lower inclined surface of an adjacent elongated concretemember. A plurality of loops can be along opposed edges of the mat, eachloop formed by a portion of the cabling. The loops can be between aboutone and three feet (30.5 and 91.4 cm) apart. One or more layers ofarticulating mats can be stacked upon the concrete members. A pipelinecan rest upon the combination of blocks and beams.

In one embodiment, there can be at least three of the elongated concretemembers and at least two layers of articulating mats.

In one embodiment, there can be at least four of the elongated concretemembers and at least three layers of articulating mats.

In one embodiment, there can be first and second supporting stacks, eachstack including multiple of the concrete members and multiple of thearticulating mats.

In one embodiment, there can be a gap between the stacks.

In one embodiment, the reinforcement preferably includes a plurality ofupper longitudinally extending reinforcement bars and a plurality oflower longitudinally extending reinforcement bars.

In one embodiment, each of the loops can be positioned at theintersection of an upper inclined surface and a lower inclined surface.

In one embodiment, a second pipeline can occupy the gap.

In one embodiment, the pipelines preferably do not contact each other.

In one embodiment, further comprising one or more layers of articulatingblock mats supported upon the concrete members.

In one embodiment, further comprising a pipeline that can be restingupon the articulating mat layer or layers so that load transfer is fromthe pipeline, to the articulating mat layer or layers, to the elongatedconcrete members and to a seabed or water bottom.

In one embodiment, further comprising equipment that can be resting uponthe articulating mat layer or layers so that load transfer is from theequipment, to the articulating mat layer or layers, to the elongatedconcrete members and to a seabed or water bottom.

A concrete mat apparatus, includes a plurality of elongated concretemembers, each member being aligned with and next to another concretemember. Each of the concrete members has an upper generally flatsurface, a lower generally flat surface, and a plurality of inclinedsurfaces that each extend away from an upper or lower surface.Reinforcement extends from a first end portion of each concrete memberto a second end portion thereof, the reinforcement including a pluralityof longitudinally extending reinforcement bars and a plurality ofencircling tie bars at spaced apart intervals. Cabling connects each ofthe elongated concrete members to another of the elongated concretemembers. The combination of elongated concrete members has a width and alength that is at least twice as long as the width. The upper inclinedsurfaces of one of the elongated concrete members forms a plane with thelower inclined surface of an adjacent elongated concrete member. Aplurality of loops are provided along opposed edges of the mat, eachloop formed by a portion of the cabling. The loops can be spaced betweenabout one and three feet (30.5 and 91.4 cm) apart.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages ofthe present invention, reference should be had to the following detaileddescription, read in conjunction with the following drawings, whereinlike reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan or top view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatusof the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial top view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatusof the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial side view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatusof the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of a preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of a preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of a preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of a preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatusof the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatusof the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatusof the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatusof the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a side, elevation view of a preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention showing the support of an underwaterpipeline;

FIG. 15 is an end, elevation view of a preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention showing the support of an underwaterpipeline;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of thepresent invention showing first and second pipelines crossing oneanother at differing elevations;

FIG. 17 is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatusof the present invention showing first and second pipelines crossing oneanother at differing elevations;

FIG. 18 is an elevation side view of a preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention showing an underwater equipmentsupport; and

FIG. 19 is an elevation end view of a preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention showing an underwater equipmentsupport.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-8 show preferred embodiments of the apparatus of the presentinvention designated generally by the numeral 10. Mat apparatus 10 ispreferably formed of a plurality of elongated concrete members or beams11. As seen in FIG. 1, there can be a plurality of, for example, four(4) elongated concrete members 11 to form overall mat 10. Mat 10 can beabout 40 feet (12.2 meters) long and about 8 feet (2.4 meters) wide asan example.

The mat 10 preferably provides an edge at 23, an edge at 24, an end at25, and an end at 26. The edges 23, 24 can preferably be parallel. Theends 25, 26 can preferably be parallel as seen in FIGS. 1 and 8. Cabling20 preferably extends from one loop to another loop. In one embodimentof the present invention, the loops can be formed by one continuousendless rope or cable 20. Cable or rope 20 can be made of polypropyleneor another similar material. In another embodiment of the presentinvention, endless loops can be used, each extending through preferablyall (e.g., four) of the beams 11 and between a pair of loops 21 and 22.In one embodiment of the present invention, each beam or elongatedconcrete member 11 can be, for example, about two feet (61 cm) wide andabout one foot (30.5 cm) tall as seen in FIGS. 5-7. Each of the surfaces14, 15 preferably forms an obtuse angle with surface 12 as seen in FIG.5. Similarly, the surfaces 16, 17 each preferably form an obtuse anglewith the surface 13 as seen in FIG. 5.

In FIG. 6, elongated reinforcing bars 18 can be provided, preferably inmultiple groups. The groups include an upper group 27 and a lower group28. In one embodiment of the present invention, each of these bars 18can be #7 reinforcing bars. The upper group 27 of reinforcing bars 18would preferably be in the upper half of the concrete beam or member 11.Similarly, the lower group 28 of reinforcing bars 18 would preferably bein the lower half of the concrete beam or member 11 as seen in FIGS. 6and 10. Rope or cable 20 can extend out each side of beam or member 11and through another of said beam or member 11 (see FIG. 4). Rope orcable 20 can extend through beams 11 in between the upper and lowerlongitudinally extending reinforcing bars 27, 28, as seen in FIG. 6

Stirrups or ties 19 or other encircling reinforcing bars can preferablybe provided, preferably at spaced apart locations as seen in FIG. 10,such as one per foot (30.5 cm) spacing. Stirrups 19 can be #4 stirrupsas an example. When connected together, as shown in FIG. 1, each beam orconcrete member 11 can form an angle with the beam or concrete member 11next to it such as when the surface 16 or 17 of one beam can move closerto the corresponding surface 16 or 17 of an adjacent beam 11. One beam11 is thus able to articulate or pivot relative to the beam 11 next toit. The pivoting of one beam 11 relative to another beam 11 can enablecontact of the surface 16 or 17 with surface 16 or 17 of the adjacentbeam 11.

In various preferred embodiments of the present invention, thereinforcing shown in FIGS. 6-7 can extend the full length of theelongated concrete member or beam 11 or about 90% of the length of theelongated concrete member or beam 11 or between about 60% and 70% of thelength of the beam or concrete member 11.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the surfaces 14 and 17 meetat an edge 32. Similarly, in one embodiment of the present invention thesurfaces 15 and 16 meet at an edge 31. The cabling 20 can extend from anedge 31 or 32 of one beam 11 to an edge 31 or 32 of an adjacent beam ormember 11.

FIGS. 11-13 are views showing a mould 30 that could be used to constructan elongated concrete member 11. Mould 30 has a lower section 30A and anupper section 30B. Lower section 30A shapes bottom surface 13 andinclined surface 16, 17. Upper section 30B shapes upper surface 12 andinclined surfaces 14, 15. Mould 30 lower 30A and upper 30B sections formends 25, 26. For the mat 10 shown in FIG. 1, four mould cavities 45would be placed side by side to form lower section 30A. The rope orcable 20 would preferably extend from one mould cavity 45 to the nextmould cavity 45 and from one loop 21 to the other loop 22 for each ofthe loops. The rope or cable 20 would be positioned in between the uppergroup of longitudinal reinforcement bars 27 and the lower group oflongitudinal reinforcement bars 28 for each beam 11 as seen in FIG. 6.In one embodiment of the present invention, the concrete members 11 canbe between about 0 and 1 inch (0 and 2.5 cm) apart. In one embodiment ofthe present invention, the beams 11 can be for example between about 20and 40 feet (6.1-12.2 meters) in length as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. FIGS.11-13 show mould 30 in more detail. Mould 30 is filled with areinforcement 46 as seen in FIGS. 6-7 and 10. As seen in FIG. 10, therecan be stirrups 19 spaced at intervals. A transverse cable section 47 ofrope/cable 20 can be positioned between each pair of stirrups 19 (seeFIG. 1). For example, the stirrups 19 can be one foot (30.5 cm) apart.The transverse cable sections 47 can also be about one foot (30.5 cm)apart. Each transverse cable section 47 can be in between two stirrups19 spaced about six inches (6″) (15.2 cm) from each stirrup 19 closestto a particular transverse cable section 47. In FIG. 1, the arrows 48show positions for the stirrups 19. In one embodiment, there is astirrup 19 between each pair of transverse cable sections 47. In FIG. 1,there can be forty (40) transverse cable sections 47 and betweenthirty-nine and forty-one (39-41) stirrups 19.

FIGS. 14-19 show other embodiments of the apparatus of the presentinvention in an underwater environment supporting a pipeline 33 (FIGS.14 and 15), a pipeline 37 and 38 crossing or bridge (FIGS. 16 and 17)and an equipment support 39 (FIGS. 18 and 19).

In FIGS. 14 and 15 there can be seen a mat apparatus 10 resting on aseabed or water bottom 41. In FIGS. 14 and 15, mat apparatus 10 is shownwith four (4) elongated concrete members or beams 11 connected with acable or cables 20. The mat 10 in FIGS. 14-15 can be as shown andconstructed in accordance with FIGS. 1-13. A four (4) beam 11 mat 10 canbe seen in FIGS. 1 and 8. Such a four (4) beam 11 mat 10 can be seen inFIGS. 14-15.

Placed upon mat 10 in FIGS. 14-15 are multiple layers of articulatingmats. These layers of articulating mats can include upper layer 34,middle layer 35 and lower layer 36. Such articulating mat or mat layers34, 35, 36 can be seen for example in prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,858,118;9,518,366; 9,797,105 entitled “Erosion Control Mat System”. U.S. Pat.Nos. 8,858,118; 9,518,366; 9,797,105 are each hereby incorporated hereinby reference. Each mat layer 34, 35, 36 is comprised of a plurality ofconcrete or concretions blocks 42 interconnected by cables 43. In FIGS.14-15, each beam 11 can have a width. Each block 42 can also have awidth. Preferably, the beam 11 width is greater than the block 42 widthas seen in FIG. 15. As an example, the beam 11 can have a width that isabout twice as large as the width of a block 42 (see FIG. 15).

FIGS. 16 and 17 show a bridge arrangement where a pipeline 38 rests on aseabed or water bottom 41. The apparatus 10 supports a second pipeline37 in an elevated position using beams 11 and articulating mat layers34, 35, 36 in two spaced apart supports 10A, 10B. There is a gap 44 inbetween supports 10A, 10B. Pipeline 38 occupies the gap 44 while restingon seabed or water bottom 41. Pipeline 37 spans across the gap 44 andrests upon supports 10A, 10B.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show an article of equipment 39 such as an assembly ofpipe, valves and fittings. Assembly 39 rests upon a skid or base 40.Base 40 rests upon mat apparatus 10 which rests on a seabed or waterbottom 41. Mat 10 includes beams 11 and can be interconnected by cables20.

The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in thepresent invention:

PARTS LIST

PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION 10 mat apparatus 10A support 10B support 11elongated concrete member/beam 12 upper flat surface 13 lower flatsurface 14 inclined surface 15 inclined surface 16 inclined surface 17inclined surface 18 longitudinally extending reinforcing bar 19tie/encircling reinforcing bar/stirrup 20 rope/cable 21 loop 22 loop 23edge 24 edge 25 end 26 end 27 upper group 28 lower group 30A lowersection 30B upper section 30 mould 31 edge 32 edge 33 pipeline 34articulating mat 35 articulating mat 36 articulating mat 37 pipeline 38pipeline 39 equipment/pipe, valve and fitting assembly 40 base/skid 41water bottom/seabed 42 block 43 cable 44 gap 45 mould cavity 46reinforcement/reinforcement assembly 47 transverse cable section 48arrow

All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature andpressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. Allmaterials used or intended to be used in a human being arebiocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.

The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; thescope of the present invention is to be limited only by the followingclaims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A concrete mat apparatus, comprising: (a) aplurality of elongated concrete members, each elongated concrete memberbeing aligned with and next to another elongated concrete member; (b)each of the elongated concrete members having an upper generally flatsurface, a lower generally flat surface, and a plurality of inclinedsurfaces that each extend away from an upper generally flat or lowergenerally flat surface; (c) reinforcement that extends from a first endportion of each elongated concrete member to a second end portion ofeach elongated concrete member, said reinforcement including a pluralityof upper longitudinally extending reinforcement rods, a plurality oflower longitudinally extending reinforcement rods and a plurality ofstirrups located at spaced apart intervals, each said stirrup encirclingmultiple of said longitudinally extending reinforcing rods; (d) cablingthat connects each of the elongated concrete members to another of saidelongated concrete members, said cabling including generally parallel,transversely extending cable sections, each cable section extendingtransversely through multiple of said elongated concrete members; (e)wherein the elongated concrete members define in combination a mathaving a width and a length that is at least twice as long as the width;(f) said plurality of inclined surfaces including upper inclinedsurfaces forming a plane with a lower inclined surface of another saidelongated concrete member; (g) a plurality of loops along opposed edgesof the mat, each loop formed by a portion of said cabling; (h) whereinsaid loops are between one and three feet (30.5 and 91.4 cm) apart; (i)wherein there are said stirrups positioned on each side of and spacedfrom each said generally parallel transversely extending cable section:and (j) further comprising one or more layers of articulating block matssupported upon the plurality of elongated concrete members.
 2. Theconcrete mat apparatus of claim 1, wherein there are at least three ofsaid elongated concrete members.
 3. The concrete mat apparatus of claim1, wherein there are at least four of said elongated concrete members.4. The concrete mat apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the elongatedconcrete members is 40 feet (12.2 meters) in length.
 5. The concrete matapparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the elongated concrete members isbetween 20 and 40 feet (6.1-12.2 meters) long.
 6. The concrete matapparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the loops are positioned at anintersection of one of said upper inclined surface and one of said lowerinclined surface.
 7. The concrete mat apparatus of claim 1, wherein theupper plurality of longitudinally extending reinforcement bars ispositioned in between two said upper inclined surfaces.
 8. The concretemat apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of longitudinallyextending reinforcement bars are positioned in between two said lowerinclined surfaces.
 9. The concrete mat apparatus of claim 1, wherein thecabling is positioned in a plane that is in between the said upper andlower pluralities of longitudinally extending reinforcement bars. 10.The concrete mat apparatus of claim 1, wherein the loops are formed witha continuous one piece elongated cable.
 11. The concrete mat apparatusof claim 1, wherein the loops are formed of a plurality of endlesscircular rope sections, each endless rope section including first andsecond spaced apart loops.
 12. The concrete mat apparatus of claim 1,wherein each elongated concrete member has a width and a height, thewidth being greater than the height.
 13. The concrete mat apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the length is greater than the width.
 14. The concretemat apparatus of claim 13, wherein the length is at least double thewidth.
 15. The concrete mat apparatus of claim 13, wherein the length isat least triple the width.
 16. The concrete mat apparatus of claim 1,wherein a first pipeline is resting upon the one or more layers ofarticulating mats so that load transfer is from the first pipeline, tothe articulating mat layer or layers, to the elongated concrete membersand to an underlying seabed or water bottom.
 17. The concrete matapparatus of claim 1, further comprising equipment resting upon the oneor more layers of articulating mats so that load transfer is from theequipment, to the articulating mat layer or layers, to the elongatedconcrete members and to a seabed or water bottom.
 18. A concrete matapparatus, comprising: (a) a plurality of elongated concrete members,each elongated concrete member being aligned with and next to anotherelongated concrete member; (b) each of the elongated concrete membershaving an upper generally flat surface, a lower generally flat surface,and a plurality of inclined surfaces that each extend away from an uppergenerally flat surface or lower generally flat surface; (c)reinforcement that extends from a first end portion of each elongatedconcrete member to a second end portion of each elongated concretemember, said reinforcement including a plurality of longitudinallyextending reinforcement bars and a plurality of encircling tie barslocated at spaced apart intervals along said elongated concrete member;(d) cabling that connects each of the elongated concrete members toanother of said elongated concrete members, said cabling includingmultiple transversely extending cable sections, each said tie bar beingin between two of said cable sections; (e) wherein the elongatedconcrete members define a mat having a width and a length that is atleast twice as long as the width; (f) the inclined surfaces includingupper inclined surfaces and lower inclined surfaces, one of said upperinclined surfaces of one of said elongated concrete members forming aplane with a said lower inclined surface of another of said elongatedconcrete member; (g) a plurality of loops along opposed edges of themat, each loop formed by a portion of said cabling; (h) wherein saidloops are between one and three feet (30.5 and 91.4 cm) apart; (i) firstand second, spaced apart layers of articulating mats stacked upon saidelongated concrete members with a gap in between said first and secondlayers and above said elongated concrete members; (j) a first pipelineresting upon said first and second layers; and k) a second pipelinepositioned in said gap and below said first pipeline.
 19. The concretemat apparatus of claim 18, wherein there are at least three of saidelongated concrete members.
 20. The concrete mat apparatus of claim 18,wherein there are at least four of said elongated concrete members. 21.The concrete mat apparatus of claim 18, wherein there are first andsecond spaced apart supporting stacks, each stack including multiple ofsaid plurality of elongated concrete members.
 22. The concrete matapparatus of claim 18, wherein the longitudinally extending bars includea plurality of upper longitudinally extending reinforcement bars and aplurality of lower longitudinally extending reinforcement bars.
 23. Theconcrete mat apparatus of claim 18, wherein the inclined surfacesinclude upper inclined surfaces and lower inclined surfaces, each of theloops positioned at an intersection of a said upper inclined surface anda said lower inclined surface.
 24. The concrete mat apparatus of claim18, wherein the pipeline and the second pipeline do not contact eachother.
 25. The concrete mat apparatus of claim 22, wherein the cablingis positioned in a plane that is in between the said upperlongitudinally extending reinforcement bars and said lowerlongitudinally extending reinforcement bars.